Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Alberta 19e 1re Discours du trône 24 mai 1979 Ralph G. Steinhauer Lieutenant-gouverneur Alberta Progressive Conservative Party Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly: I have the honour to welcome you to the First Session of the 19th Legislature of the province of Alberta. The privilege of accepting the responsibility of office for a third time came to my government as a result of the provincial general election held on March 14, 1979. I particularly welcome the 29 new Members of the Legislative Assembly, who are taking their seats for the first time today. I am sure they will continue the traditions of service and integrity that have been the reputation of this Assembly over the decades. A milestone in Alberta's development recently occurred. In early 1979, Alberta's work force exceeded, for the first time, 1 million citizens. It is a tribute to the hard work and individual initiative of Albertans that employment opportunities have continued to expand so that so many young Albertans can find jobs in their home province, close to their families and communities. My government will emphasize six priorities during this first session: (1) Economic Development. Continuing to provide job opportunities to Albertans through a vigorous policy of economic growth and development. A new Department of Economic Development, to co-ordinate and promote initiative and enterprise in business, transportation, and agricultural processing, will maintain and strengthen Alberta's leadership in advancing Canada's economic expansion. (2) Hospitals. Alberta's significant commitment to hospital construction, amounting to present and forecast expenditures of over $730 million for hospitals and nursing homes, will be maintained, and further substantial appropriations of funds will be recommended during this session of the Legislature. The objective of a multiyear plan to respond, on a staged basis, to needs and upgrading requirements throughout the province. (3) Handicapped Citizens. The interest and concern of Albertans for needs of our handicapped citizens will be reflected and re-emphasized through the expansion of existing programs and by the introduction of a number of new approaches, sustaining Alberta's position at the forefront in Canada in services for the handicapped. (4) Agriculture. The importance of agriculture as one of Alberta's two base industries will be reflected by further actions to advance the interests of Alberta farmers in both domestic and export markets. Particular attention will be paid to the vital concern of the inadequate grain handling and transportation system in Canada. (5) Housing. In recognition of the continued housing needs for Albertans in our expanding province, substantial funds will be requested from the Assembly to support important new initiatives under the Alberta family home purchase program and other key programs. (6) The year 1979 has special significance throughout the world as it marks the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child. In keeping with the spirit of the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly declaring 1979 the International Year of the Child, my government will make a number of proposals in education and other areas for special programs to bring significant benefits to children in the province. In addition to these 1979 priorities, plans will be made this year, in co-operation with municipal and various volunteer organizations, to ensure appropriate observations for the celebration in 1980 of Alberta's seventy-fifth anniversary. Education My government has recently announced a number of programs designed more adequately to serve Albertans with a variety of educational needs. It is appropriate during this International Year of the Child that significant expansion of existing programs and introduction of certain new programs for the benefit of children, through the educational system, should be considered by the Legislative Assembly. The programs include: -- expansion of the learning disability fund; -- implementation of the school building quality restoration program; -- improvement in service at the Alberta School for the Deaf; -- a junior high school component added to the educational opportunity fund, for programs aimed at improving attendance and reducing drop-out rates; -- a new program unit to enhance significantly the assistance available for dependent handicapped and multihandicapped children; -- initial steps to plan a facility designed for multihandicapped deaf and blind children; -- extended small school jurisdiction grants to assure greater equalization of educational opportunity in school jurisdictions with fewer than 1,500 students. The reports of the Minister's Advisory Committee on Student Achievement will be tabled for consideration. The high school achievement test program will be continued. Attention will be given to the desirability of a regular program of testing basic skills, including literacy, prior to high school graduation. The statement of basic goals of education for Alberta schools, approved by the Legislature in 1978, provides a basis for continuing review of school programs by the curriculum Policies Board. Curriculum revisions will reflect appropriate and distinct roles for the schools and the communities they serve. The six-phase heritage learning resources project, funded by the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, is making a significant and increasing contribution to Canadian content material available for Alberta students. Works of Canadian and Alberta writers and historians are being used to provide books, photographs, and films, available for all age groups, in regard to Canadian history, geography, and environment. During 1979, a number of the specific features will become available in Alberta schools. The level of provincial fiscal support for education, to be requested from the Assembly, will continue to provide per capita spending at the highest levels in any of the provinces. Advanced Education and Manpower My government will continue to emphasize quality postsecondary education programs, with particular reference to new programs which respond to demands for highly skilled manpower. Increased attention will be given to meeting the needs of individuals, particularly in the areas of apprenticeship programs for the handicapped, career planning and employment counselling services, and the delivery of education services to rural areas. The employment counselling and relocation services program, designed to assist northern families to relocate to centres with employment opportunities, will be expanded to the Whitecourt and Edson-Hinton areas. The expected stability of enrolments in universities and colleges will provide an opportunity for those institutions to examine ways in which the quality of program offerings can be further enhanced and new priorities established. The report of the Minister's Task Force to Review Student's Contributions to the Costs of Post-secondary Education has recently been completed. The report has been circulated to interested groups throughout the province. Following a review of the comments received, consideration will be given to implementing those recommendations particularly relating to student finance. The Banff Centre has been given approval for year round operation of its programs in the visual and performing arts, and budgetary estimates will be included this spring for approval by the Assembly. The highly successful and innovative emergency medical technician program will be implemented in 12 centres across Alberta this year, and is expected to provide training to 1,000 full-time, part-time, and volunteer ambulance attendants. The demand for skilled tradesmen is being met by the apprenticeship and trade certification program, with over 3,400 graduates receiving journeyman status in 36 trade areas in 1978. Registered apprentices last year totalled almost 20,000, with over 7,000 new entrants. A similar number of new apprentices is expected in 1979. To allow greater opportunity for those interested in this program, the decentralization of apprenticeship training locations, commenced in 1978, will continue this year. Following upon the government's recently published Policy Governing Future Legislation for the Professions and Occupations, legislation will be introduced containing proposals in respect to two professions, in the interests of both the professions and occupations, and the general public. The legislation will define more uniform proposals in such areas as field of practice, ethics, discipline procedures, education requirements, and licensing. Housing and Public Works Certain budgetary proposals will be presented for the consideration of hon. members, in regard to several important new and revised housing programs. Details of expenditures for the new pioneer home repair program and for extension of the home adaptation program, the co-operative housing action program, and the rural home assistance program will be included. Necessary funding will also be sought to expand lending programs through the Alberta Home Mortgage Corporation, to further aid lower and middle-income home buyers through interest subsidy measures. Hospitals and Medical Care My government, through the Department of Hospitals and Medical Care, established in 1978, will continue to ensure high-quality health services to Alberta citizens, retaining this province's top position in Canada's health services field. The temporary holding pattern for the submission of new projects is being ended on June 1, 1979, and after that date, the government expects to receive requests for new projects from throughout Alberta. Construction is continuing on three major health care referral centres financed through the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund: (a) the Alberta Health Sciences Centre in Edmonton, which will provide the related functions of patient care, health research, health education, will be completed in 1982; (b) the Calgary children's hospital, specializing in diagnostic assessment and treatment of children, will be completed by the summer of 1980; (c) the Southern Alberta Cancer Centre and auxiliary Specialty Services Facility, to include cancer treatment and diagnostic services, auxiliary hospital beds, provincial laboratory, nuclear medicine, diagnostic radiology and support services, is scheduled for completion in early 1981. Funds have also been made available from the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund for special cancer and heart research programs in Edmonton and Calgary. The programs include evaluation, catheterization laboratories, outpatient rehabilitation, cardiovascular surgery, paediatric cardiology, and intensive care units for coronary patients. Alberta's role as a world leader in heart research, diagnosis, and rehabilitation was recognized last November when the Department of Hospitals and Medical Care was selected to host a World Health Organization conference on cardiac care, attended by leading authorities on heart disease from 18 countries. The proposal for the Alberta heritage foundation for medical research will be placed before the Legislature, carrying through the government's commitment to establish a very major endowment fund for medicine and related sciences. This will continue toward our objective of building Alberta health sciences centres with international status. Social Services and Community Health Legislation will be introduced and the necessary funds requested to meet the commitment to introduce the Alberta assured income plan for the handicapped. It will provide for an income-tested disability allowance to permanently handicapped individuals between the ages of 18 and 65, and it will be implemented before the end of the 1979 calendar year. This program will provide supplementary health benefits in the areas of optical, dental, and drug coverage, and payment of medical premiums. The commitment to establish the aids to daily living program will be met. This will make available specified health aids and equipment at no cost to all Albertans who require them. This program will meet the extraordinary needs of all handicapped or chronically ill persons. It will complement programs already in effect for senior citizens, and will be administered through local health units. Locally co-ordinated home care programs already in existence in some areas of the province have undergone significant expansion. Elsewhere, local health authorities are at various stages in the planning and implementation of home care programs. Important new programs for children, in further recognition of the spirit of the International Year of the Child, will be proposed: -- expansion of preventive dental treatment services on a province-wide basis through local health units; -- daytime development opportunities for mentally retarded and handicapped children; -- additional residential spaces for mentally retarded children currently living in local communities but not receiving adequate residential services. Increased emphasis on the development of programs aimed at prevention of alcoholism and drug abuse will be undertaken. Alberta Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Commission services will be extended into more rural areas by opening offices with resident staff in several new communities. Detoxification centres will also be opened in Fort McMurray and Fort Macleod. A Member of the Legislative Assembly will be appointed as chairman of the commission to assure more extensive policy input at the elected level. Agriculture My government continues its recognition of agriculture as forming, with energy, the basic economic foundation for the province. It has special significance to Alberta's present and future economy as a renewable resource. The outlook for agriculture in 1979 is for a generally favourable year, but with concern over grain pricing. Therefore my government, as it has in the past, will continue to emphasize the role of the provinces in grain marketing. The Alberta government has acted as an initiator and a catalyst to stimulate construction of a new grain terminal at the port of Prince Rupert, and has proposed that, if required, up to $100 million from the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund be made available for financing the facility. Alberta has successfully tendered for the purchase of the Canadian government elevators located in Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge, in the belief that upgrading of these facilities is necessary for the maintenance of the delivery marketing system servicing Alberta's grain producers. Decentralization of the Department of Agriculture will be continued, moving laboratory staff to the Environmental Laboratory in Vegreville and the office of the provincial apiculturist to Falher. Expansion of farm business management programs will be proposed, so that more farmers will be reached with information to assist in development of sound farm management practices and techniques. Increased funding for irrigation will promote efficient use of irrigation water on the farm, while achieving optimum yields and maintaining soil quality. Funds for promotion of Alberta-grown food products will be increased substantially. Energy and Natural Resources Record levels of exploration drilling and geophysical activity experienced in 1978 are expected to continue into 1979. Major new discoveries of both oil and natural gas in the West Pembina and Elmworth areas have contributed to this activity. Investor confidence and associated activity in the petroleum industry should be sustained by the extension to July 1980 of the Alberta/Federal agreement on crude oil pricing. At the same time, my government is pursuing discussions with officials of other Canadian governments on a plan to promote expanded sales of Alberta natural gas into eastern Canadian markets. The government has concluded that the natural gas supply position in Canada now warrants significant additional exports to the United States under appropriate conditions. The resultant cash flows will sustain the jobs associated with the exploration aspects of the petroleum industry. Oil sands and heavy oil research activity, through the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority, continues to increase with a record number of experimental on-site projects under way. The first world conference dealing specifically with oil sands and heavy oil will be held in Edmonton, June 4 to 12. Over 250 engineers and scientists from 30 countries will discuss the latest advances in recovering oil from one of the world's major petroleum resources. The conference should reflect Alberta's leadership role in world activity in this area. Part of Alberta's rich heritage of renewable resources is represented by extensive forests, which provide continuing prospects for new job opportunities. The Pine Ridge Forest Nursery will be completed in 1979, at a total cost of $13.5 million, and will be the finest facility of its kind in Canada, capable of supplying 20 million seedlings per year in support of reforestation programs by the forest industry and Alberta Forest service, with capacity for future expansion if necessary. The expansion of Alberta's forest industry indicates that for 1979, a record harvest of more than 200 million cubic feet of timber will be realized. Public Lands and Wildlife Great potential exists for increases in timber, grazing, and crop production from provincial public lands, as a result of improvements to these lands made possible under the Heritage Savings Trust Fund. The continued growth of Alberta farms and the recreational use of public lands have created new demands for land. In 1979, grazing reserves development on the gray wooded soils of northern and central Alberta will be continued. More than 23,000 acres of land will be cleared, broken, worked down, and seeded to improve forage. Under the full 10-year program, up to 20 new grazing reserves will be created, expanding Alberta's grazing reserves to include 500,000 additional acres capable of providing summer grazing for 60,000 head of cattle. The increasing pressure upon the fish and wildlife resources of the province, brought about [by] recreation, agriculture, and industrial development, is apparent and steps will be taken for improvement. A recommendation will be made to establish a select special committee of the Legislature to examine all aspects of fisheries legislation and the management of commercial and recreational fishing in Alberta, for the purpose of recommending ways and means by which both commercial and sport fishing opportunities can be enhanced. This proposed review would examine the policy and procedures used for harvesting, processing, and marketing fish commercially, as well as ways of increasing the fish population. Municipal Affairs A bill will be introduced to implement the municipal debt reduction program, which will provide $500 per capita to municipalities for the general purposes of reduction of municipal debt. Details of the benefits which will accrue to municipalities as a result of this unprecedented transfer of funds from the provincial surplus to municipal governments, enabling them to provide a significant benefit to property taxpayers throughout Alberta, will be outlined to the Assembly. My government will be introducing amendments to The Alberta Property Tax Reduction Act, to broaden the basis for the program. These additional amendments will ensure that Alberta citizens, on an average, continue to enjoy the lowest average property taxes in Canada. As well, my government will consider changes to the unconditional municipal assistance grant, to provide a more equitable distribution of funds among municipalities. Environment Programs to enhance and protect Alberta's natural beauty will be expanded. The very successful land reclamation projects throughout the province will be continued. During this session you will be asked to approve a major new program, to be established through The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Act, supported by a program of financial assistance to municipalities for environmentally sound waste management systems. The Alberta environmental centre in Vegreville is nearing completion, with over 80 per cent of its main laboratory building constructed. This centre is being established to investigate most of the environment-related problems of seven provincial government departments. It will be "centre of excellence" in environmental research and development work. Its location in Vegreville reflects the government's policy of decentralization of its operations to the most practical extent. Alberta Environment is proceeding with a program of flow regulation of the Red Deer River. Engineering work and land acquisition are under way for a multipurpose reservoir west of Innisfail. The Paddle River basin water management program is to be implemented over a five-year period. Engineering work and land acquisition for the reservoir will start this year. The project will provide flood protection to agricultural lands and roads in the flood plain. This year, Alberta Environment will also begin construction of a project to stabilize water levels in Lesser Slave Lake. The project is an important element in the government's commitment to encourage the long term development of northern Alberta. Transportation Continued strong support for the transportation needs of Alberta's cities, towns, and villages, as well as major expenditures proposed for construction of primary and secondary highways, will be set forth in the budgetary estimates to be tabled during this session. The new 6-year urban transportation plan for Alberta, announced in January, will be detailed during the course of the session. Special transportation grants for towns, villages, and hamlets will be proposed. Highway safety programs are being intensified, with special emphasis on a provincial campaign to ensure school bus safety. Education and inspection services are being further developed to ensure continuing high standards of equipment and operation throughout the province's school bus system. As well, standard setting and inspection programs have been expanded to give greater coverage of commercial bus and truck operations. The impact of the successful negotiations with the railways to establish freight rates which encourage the location of industry in smaller Alberta centres will be outlined to the Assembly. Labour Labor management service programs, such as the Construction Industry Industrial Relations Council -- which involves representatives of trade unions, contractors, owner/investors, and government -- will increase the emphasis on labor relations as a factor in long term economic growth and increased productivity. My government commends the responsible approach by trade unions and employers during the recent phase-out of the federal wage and price controls program. Of 790 collective agreements settled during 1978, almost 95 per cent were achieved without work stoppage. About 60 per cent of the agreements were resolved by direct negotiations, and only 35 per cent required the assistance of government conciliation and mediation services. Workers' Health, Safety and Compensation The creation of a new ministry, responsible solely for workers' health, safety, and compensation, highlights the concern the government and the citizens of Alberta share in respect to the unnecessary human suffering caused by illness or accident resulting from unsafe working conditions at workplaces. Amendments will be proposed to increase compensation rates payable under The Workers' Compensation Act, in order to benefit a number of categories of Alberta workers and their dependants. In order that a full review of all provisions of the legislation relating to workers' compensation can be undertaken, it will be recommended to the Assembly that a select special committee of the Legislature be formed to make appropriate recommendations for amendment. Attorney General My government will continue with important steps in modernizing and improving the administration of justice for Albertans. Members will also be asked to consider the new Personal Property Security Act, which will propose significant changes regarding registration of personal property. There will be significant changes proposed in the assistance provided to witnesses, and an extension to [the] rest of the province of the hearing officer system introduced last year in Calgary and Edmonton for the handling of traffic offences. Albertans have been most ably served by the careful work of the board of review on the operation of the provincial courts, which has recently presented its final report to the government. Chaired by Mr. Justice W.J.C. Kirby, the board of review -- the other members of which were Dr. M. Wyman and J.E. Bower -- submitted their report on the juvenile justice system in Alberta, in 1977, and on native people in the administration of justice in the provincial courts of Alberta, in 1978. Recommendations for the implementation of policies, based upon certain findings of the Board of review, will be undertaken to the extent possible during 1979. Solicitor General Emphasis on the therapeutic value of steady work for convicted offenders will be continued. In addition to constructing a forestry camp at Fort McMurray, a camp is being erected in the Lac La Biche area, which will allow inmates from the northeast section of Alberta to be gainfully employed near their homes and families, an important factor in the successful rehabilitation of offenders. The minimum security correctional facility at St. Paul, to be used as a trade school for young offenders, is scheduled to open during the fall of 1979, as is the remand centre in Edmonton. Construction of the Lethbridge Correctional Institution will begin this year. The remand centre in Edmonton will relieve the overcrowded conditions at the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Institution. By separating inmates awaiting disposition of their charges before the courts from inmates who have been sentenced, the concern of the government about the conditions in the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Institution should be reduced. Native Affairs A proposal for access to provincial programs and services by treaty Indians is now under examination by Indian leaders. Discussions are anticipated with a number of Indian band councils in the coming year to allow access to occur. The urban native referral program has been established to enable municipalities and native organizations better to assist native people migrating to urban communities, so they can more readily familiarize themselves with and use available services and resources. First steps in this referral program are planned for Fort Macleod, Grande Prairie, Calgary, and Edmonton this year. Native employment opportunities will continue as a priority with my government. Through financial arrangements with Native Outreach, we will assist in the promotion of the hiring of native people, in both the private and public sectors of our province. Recreation and Parks The improvement of existing facilities and the development of new outdoor recreational opportunities for Albertans remain important targets for the government. Capital development will begin at Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park, on the west end of Lesser Slave Lake, and at Notikewin Provincial Park, in northwestern Alberta. Planning will also commence on Kakwa Provincial Park, located on the west central border of Alberta. Developments in Kananaskis Country are a high priority, and new facilities such as ski trails, hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas will be open to the public in 1979. A managing director is overseeing and co-ordinating all developments and operations in Kananaskis Country, and there is a citizens' advisory committee to receive public views and provide comments. Special provisions are being made to provide facilities designed for the handicapped within Kananaskis Country. My government will introduce, in the fall sitting of this session, an amendment to The Provincial Parks Act, which will permit the Department of Recreation and Parks to develop and operate recreation areas other than designated provincial parks. My government will be tabling a document providing for a system of classification of park areas. The Alberta Summer Games, to be held in St. Albert in August, will involve 3,000 participants from all parts of Alberta. These games will provide several firsts for Alberta, such as the establishment of a concurrent arts festival and the inclusion of particular events for senior citizens and for the handicapped. The Alberta Winter Games will follow in early 1980 in Grande Prairie. Culture My government believes that our history, which plays such a large role in the sense of identity that is shared by all Albertans, deserves to be remembered and preserved, despite difficulties inherent in the major economic development of the province now occurring. Consequently, significant efforts have and will continue to be made to identify, survey, and develop major archaeological sites in advance of surface disturbance and development. A provincial historic site has been dedicated at Cochrane this year, to commemorate the Cochrane Ranche, symbolic of the birth of Alberta's great cattle industry. Conceptual plans are being developed for the possible future restoration of some other sites that played a major role in Alberta's early history. Particular attention was paid in 1978, and will again be paid in 1979, to the development of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. Support for the Glenbow-Alberta Institute will be sustained in the years ahead, to enable this institution to continue its outstanding service to the people of Alberta. The acquisition by the Glenbow-Alberta Institute of the extensive Riveredge collection, from the Devonian Foundation, has been made possible through arrangements of my government. The province of Alberta is also acquiring, by gift and purchase, the ever-popular caravan system of museum displays from the Devonian Foundation. This system, which consists of a number of trailer units, will continue to bring outstanding displays to Albertans in various parts of the province, by a joint agreement between the Provincial Museum of Alberta and the Glenbow-Alberta Institute. My government will continue its unparalleled policy of matching financial support to the performing arts. Because of this policy, moneys raised by community performing arts organizations are proportionately the highest in Canada. My government will be introducing new legislation to provide for the establishment of the Alberta Order of Excellence, which will appropriately recognize those Albertans who have made contributions of the highest significance. Tourism and Small Business Balanced regional growth and development is a priority of the government, and part of the province's long-term economic strategy. In 1978, the management assistance program, a professional consulting service to small businesses in rural Alberta, was carried out in eight towns and will be expanded to include 16 additional towns in 1979. Special emphasis directed towards the promotion of Alberta's tourist industry remains a key thrust of my government. The Stamp Around Alberta campaign is a highly successful program, achieving a much greater awareness by Albertans of the many and varied vacation opportunities within the province. This program will continue on a year-round basis. Economic Development A new Department of Economic Development has been formed, with broad objectives for implementation of the government`s economic strategy. Building up the strength of our base industries of agriculture and energy, striving to diversify the Alberta economy, and further efforts to encourage balanced economic growth throughout the province, will be the primary objectives of this important new department. A Bill to create this new department will be presented to the Legislature this spring. Strong and consistent efforts will be made to maximize Alberta's natural economic advantages; to minimize transportation problems, with special attention to rate and service issues; to encourage further investment in Alberta by overseas risk investors; to work towards reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers to exports of Alberta products and services; and to expand foreign markets for Alberta business. The special importance of international trade to the economy of Alberta is underlined by the appointment of a Minister of State for Economic Development -- International Trade, who will work in co-ordination with the Minister of Economic Development, and will be responsible for Alberta's various and expanding activities in promoting and developing the expansion of trade between Alberta and various countries, in liaison with the federal government. The long-term importance to Alberta of the Alberta Research Council is reflected by the appointment of a Member of the Legislative Assembly as chairman, and the necessary legislation for this purpose will be proposed to the Assembly in due course. This significant change in the organizational structure of the Alberta Research Council will be introduced preliminary to the presentation of a five-year research and development plan to bring into focus major research areas of importance to the province. This five-year plan will take into account the research needs of Alberta, looking as far ahead as the next 25 years, and will include ideas from various sectors of the Alberta government, business, and universities. Treasury The management of public funds continues to be an ever-increasing challenge for the Provincial Treasurer and the province. The current fiscal year forecasts and policies of the government will be revealed in the forthcoming budget speech. After taking the bold step, just three short years ago, of establishing a unique capital reserve for Alberta's future, my government has made wide-ranging investments and has initiated many projects for people through the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. To expand upon these important undertakings, my government will again seek authorization for the transfer of 30 per cent of our depleting, non-renewable resource revenues to the fund for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 1980. Appropriations for the capital projects division of the fund will again be presented to the Legislature in the fall. Utilities and Telephones A continuing high priority of my government is the already successful and expanding rural gas program. A specific objective is to provide a natural gas supply to High Level. Rural electric systems are also being reconstituted, and policies updated in consultation with the newly formed Rural Electric Council. The coming year will require important decisions in electric power generation and supply. [Additional] extended flat rate calling extensions are planned by Alberta Government Telephones for 1979. Consumer and Corporate Affairs The effect of the expansion of the economy in Alberta is being felt not only in the resource and transportation industries, but also in the agricultural area. One aspect of this is a heightened interest in the trading of commodity futures contracts, most of which are related to agricultural products. A new Commodity Futures Act will be introduced by my government this session, to ensure that the climate for commodities futures trading in the province continues to be a healthy one. As well, amendments to The Alberta Insurance Act will be proposed, which will continue to ensure that all drivers and owners of automobiles will be able to purchase insurance coverage. My government is pleased with the successful administration of the The Rent Decontrol Act, which has allowed the chairman of the Rent Decontrol Appeal Board to phase down the operations. The consumer relations division will continue to emphasize consumer education, in order to make consumers more aware and to improve decision-making in spending family incomes. Government Services My government continues to support a policy of using the private sector in all appropriate cases. Well over $1 million of computer systems development work will be tendered to private firms; all multicolor printing will be tendered to private industry; and contracts will be left to the private sector for helicopter servicing, courier delivery, cafeterias, vehicle repair, building maintenance, and surplus asset auctioneering. Our program of energy conservation in government buildings will continue, effecting annual savings of approximately $2 million. Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs In Prince George, British Columbia, during the course of their deliberations at the annual western premiers' conference in March, the western premiers strongly reaffirmed their position adopted in 1977. This position rejected both the status quo and Quebec independence followed by economic association with Canada, as appropriate alternatives for the Canadian federal system. This restatement by the western premiers should provide an important element in the debate on the future of the Canadian federal system when the subject is further discussed at the annual premiers' conference in Quebec this August. My government approaches this important conference in the fullest spirit of co-operation, while continuing to advocate its firm belief that strong provinces make a strong, viable Canada, complementing the role of a strong federal government. My government participated actively in the first ministers' conference on the constitution in October 1978 and February 1979, and will continue to participate in discussions related to the goal of a new federalism for Canada. Alberta's position will continue to be based on the principles and recommendations contained in Harmony in Diversity, which was debated by the Alberta Legislature in the fall of 1978 as the Alberta government position paper on constitutional change. The coming year could be an important one in determining the future courses of Canada. Members of the Legislative Assembly, in due course you will be presented with budget proposals by my government to support these priorities and legislative initiatives, and to reflect a program of continuing restraint in public expenditures. You will be asked to grant the necessary funds for the operating services and expenditures authorized by the Legislature, and to endorse a program of capital financing for the government of Alberta. I leave you now to the business of the session, with full confidence that as elected representatives your debates and your votes will reflect your understanding of the public interest of all people of Alberta. I pray for your wisdom and strength in your deliberations.